I was amazed at the rally, and many watching who are not even fans were rooting for them.
In Houston, the Orioles faced a formidable challenge in the Astros but demonstrated their resilience, rallying late in the game despite ultimately losing 14-11. Baltimore’s manager, Brandon Hyde, reiterated his team’s never-say-die attitude after the game, emphasizing their relentless spirit even in daunting situations.
The game, held at Minute Maid Park, quickly turned into a high-scoring affair reminiscent of games played at high-altitude venues like Coors Field. Through the initial six innings, it seemed the Astros were set for an easy win as they extended their lead to 14-3, capped by a nine-run sixth inning that saw 12 batters take to the plate.
Former Morgan Academy star and Alabama Mr. Baseball Gunnar Henderson homered in the 7th and 8th innings on Friday night, but the @Orioles lost to the @astros 14-11. Henderson has 24 home runs in the 2024 season and, after scoring 3 times against Houston, leads @MLB with 65 runs. pic.twitter.com/Hxl6VsWsQP
— Mark Inabinett (@AMarkG1) June 22, 2024
However, the Orioles refused to go down without a fight. Gunnar Henderson sparked a potential comeback with a leadoff home run in the seventh inning, infusing the team with a renewed vigor. Despite not adding more runs in the seventh, Baltimore mounted a significant challenge in the eighth inning. They scored seven runs, highlighted by two-run homers from Jorge Mateo, Henderson, and Anthony Santander, along with an RBI double from Ryan Mountcastle. Santander’s homer brought the Orioles within three runs, making the score resemble more of a football game tally at 14-11.
The Orioles’ offensive prowess is well-documented this season, leading MLB in runs scored, home runs, and slugging percentage. The lineup boasts two of the only five players in the majors with 20 or more home runs, with Henderson leading the way with 24 and Santander at 20. Santander, in particular, has been on a hot streak, hitting 11 of his homers in June alone, threatening to break the team’s monthly home run record with several games left to play.
What a pitching matchup we get treated too today. Men on base today and you want to be stealing early and often to get guys in scoring position. #orioles pic.twitter.com/0vXmLN0nKX
— Walter Maselli (@WalterMaselli1) June 22, 2024
The team’s resilience was also on display a day prior, as they recorded 19 hits in a 17-5 victory over the Yankees. They continued their offensive barrage against the Astros, totaling 18 hits, with catcher Adley Rutschman leading with five hits, tying his career-high.
Despite the loss, the Orioles managed to exhaust Houston’s bullpen, using up five relievers, including high-leverage right-hander Bryan Abreu who saved the game but had pitched three consecutive days, likely making him unavailable for the next game. This strategic depletion of the Astros’ bullpen resources could play to Baltimore’s advantage in the upcoming games.
Astros use 9-run inning to claim high-scoring win over Orioles https://t.co/fATwg0P4fX
— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) June 22, 2024
Looking ahead, the Orioles remain optimistic about their chances, buoyed by their ability to compete against tough opponents. They’ve demonstrated this throughout a grueling month, having faced top teams like the Phillies and the Yankees successfully. With ace Corbin Burnes set to start the next game, the Orioles feel prepared and confident, embodying Hyde’s belief that they are never truly out of any game, regardless of the odds.
Key Points:
i. The Orioles demonstrated resilience in a high-scoring game against the Astros, rallying late but ultimately losing 14-11 at Minute Maid Park.
ii. After trailing 14-3, Baltimore sparked a comeback in the seventh inning, beginning with a home run by Gunnar Henderson, and added a substantial seven-run eighth inning featuring key homers from Jorge Mateo, Henderson, and Anthony Santander.
iii. Baltimore’s offensive prowess is highlighted by leading MLB in runs scored, home runs, and slugging percentage, with two players, Henderson and Santander, among the top home run hitters this season.
iv. Despite the loss, the Orioles’ strong offensive performance forced the Astros to use five relievers, potentially giving Baltimore an advantage in bullpen freshness for the next game.
v. The Orioles remain optimistic about their competitive edge, evidenced by recent performances against top teams and heading into future games with continued confidence under their ace, Corbin Burnes.
Steven Applia – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
